Scottish Album fo the Year opens for eligible album submissions today
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award returns for 2022, calling on artists, labels and music fans to submit eligible albums – for free.
Article Source: The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Last Updated: 1 July 2022 13:39
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award returns for 2022, calling on artists, labels and music fans to submit eligible albums – for free – at www.sayaward.com. Submissions will close at midnight on Friday 22nd July 2021.
Last month The SAY Award made an exciting announcement as it revealed Stirling as the new location for the 2022 ceremony. The host city was unveiled in a spectacular projection display on one of the city’s most renowned landmarks, The National Wallace Monument. Incorporating lyrics from the iconic Scottish ballad ‘Caledonia’ by singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean, music fans can watch the impressive ode to Scotland and its talented music industry here.
The SAY Award ceremony will take place on Thursday 20th October at the stunning Albert Halls where artists, industry professionals, press and music fans will have the opportunity to attend one of the most highly anticipated nights in Scotland’s musical calendar. The evening will look to celebrate Scottish music and the cultural impact of outstanding Scottish albums, with The SAY Award winner receiving a £20,000 first prize and walking away with the coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year. Nine runners up will each receive £1,000, as well as bespoke prizes created through The SAY Award design commission. A limited number of pre-sale ceremony tickets are available now at www.sayaward.com.
To be considered for The SAY Award 2022, eligible albums must have been released between 1st June 2021 – 31st May 2022. To submit albums for FREE, plus view eligibility criteria and guidelines for 2022’s award, visit www.sayaward.com.
The SAY Award reached a significant achievement in 2021 as it celebrated an incredible 10 years. Since its inception in 2012, the national music prize has distributed over £300,000 in prize money to Scottish artists and championed 200 Longlisted albums over 10 campaigns. Now in its 11th year, The SAY Award continues to enhance the profile, reputation and credibility of Scottish artists, putting Scotland's thriving music industry on the global map.
Last year, The SAY Award announced Mogwai – ‘As The Love Continues’ as the 2022 winner. Speaking about the bands win, Stuart Braithwaite said: “Winning The SAY Award last year was a huge honour for Mogwai. To be recognised by a panel of peers in this way meant the world to us as a band, particularly given the quality of the other musicians on both the Longlist and Shortlist. Scotland continues to produce a plethora of great musicians making outstanding work year on year so for us to win this award is humbling in the extreme.”
2022 will also see the return of two new awards, the ‘Modern Scottish Classic Award’ and the ‘Sound of Young Scotland Award’. Artists on this year's Longlist will choose the winner of the ‘Modern Scottish Classic Award’, recognising an iconic album from Scotland’s past. Last year ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ by Frightened Rabbit was crowned the winner of the newly introduced award.
Supported by Ticketmaster, Youth Music Initiative (Creative Scotland) and Youth Music, The Sound of Young Scotland Award will see a panel of previous SAY Award nominees choose the winner. The winning artist will receive a funding package worth up to £5,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album, with the award designed to invest in Scottish music’s future and provide vital support to an up-and-coming artist. 2021’s winner LVRA has grown from strength to strength since winning the award and now prepares to make her debut at Connect Festival later this summer.
To be considered for The Sound of Young Scotland Award, artists must be 25 or under to apply (in a band, 50% of core members must be 25 or under), not previously released an album and have made Scotland their creative base for at least the past two years. Full information will be published in due course, and emerging artists can apply from Monday 25th July until midnight Monday 15th August via www.sayaward.com.
Robert Kilpatrick, Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) / The SAY Award, said: “As we now move into a post-Covid landscape, The SAY Award’s role in celebrating Scottish music and the cultural contribution of albums proves more crucial than ever. Artists and music industry professionals are working hard to recover from the significant impacts of the pandemic, and whilst many challenges are thankfully now behind us, the cultural landscape remains in many ways fractured. Creative and business risks are having to be taken, and with many turbulent external factors still at play, resilience, innovation and a sheer determination to highlight the power and value of music is proving fundamental to Scotland’s cultural recovery.
“As we open submissions for 2022’s SAY Award, we’re reminded of the passion, diversity and commitment of our artists and music industry. The bodies of work recognised by SAY enrich the lives of the people who call Scotland home, as well as the lives of many people from far beyond. Our four-month campaign will work to bring a renewed sense of community, instil civic pride and increase cultural confidence; all of which is vital for our national wellbeing. We look forward to working with our partners as we gear up to this year’s Ceremony – our Stirling debut – and we hope you can join us at The Albert Halls on Thursday 20th October for what is always one of the best nights in Scotland’s musical calendar.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “There’s every chance that the crop of eligible albums for this year’s SAY Award will be bigger and more bountiful than ever, spread across every genre imaginable. When the pandemic closed doors to performance, Scotland’s musicians wrote and recorded instead, and the past few months have seen the fruits of their labours released to the world. Each year, The SAY Award provides an opportunity to celebrate Scotland’s musical excellence. In 2022, however, there’s more reason than ever to shout out loud about the sheer breadth and depth of what Scotland can create against the odds. So get those submissions in now.”
The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production. The SAY Award 2022 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Stirling Alive with Culture, Stirling Council, Ticketmaster, PPL, Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music and Music Declares Emergency. Following Frightened Rabbit winning the Modern Scottish Classic Award in 2021, The SAY Award is delighted to reveal Tiny Changes as the Charity Partner for 2022. As Scotland’s national music prize transitions into a new decade, The SAY Award is dedicated to highlighting the power that music can have on a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Tiny Changes is at the forefront of this movement as the Scottish mental health charity looks to reduce stigma, support change and build communities across Scotland. The partnership between The SAY Award and Tiny Changes aims to positively impact young people’s mental health by raising awareness of the Scottish charity and the transformative work they do.
Kara Brown, Tiny Changes CEO said: “Tiny Changes is so excited to be this year’s The SAY Award charity partner. We love that this iconic Scottish award inspires young people and celebrates musicians who’ve turned their own life experiences, pain and mental health challenges into works of art.”
Once all eligible albums have been collated, 100 impartial ‘Nominators’, chosen from sectors including journalism, music retail and music venues across Scotland, nominate and rank their five favourite albums in order of preference. The SMIA assigns a score to each title in a Nominator’s Top 5, before announcing the 20 highest scoring albums as The SAY Award Longlist.
The Longlist will then be whittled down to a Shortlist of 10 albums, one of which will be chosen by music fans via a 72-hour online public vote. The remaining nine albums will be chosen by The SAY Award judging panel, who will then reconvene at the ceremony to decide on 2022’s winner.
Now in its eleventh year, previous winners of The SAY Award include Mogwai ‘As The Love Continues' (2021), Nova ‘Re-Up’ (2020), Auntie Flo ‘Radio Highlife’ (2019), Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012).
To keep up with The SAY Award 2022 journey, make sure you follow the award on Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward and Facebook @SAYaward
Image: Last year’s SAY Award winners Mogwai, who scooped the £20,000 prize and coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year 2021 for ‘As The Love Continues’.
Image credit: Euan Robertson
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Push the boat out for Valentines weekend aboard the most romantic floating hotel in the UK
The first-class crew aboard the UK's most romantic floating hotel will be stepping into the role of 'Romance Concierge' to elevate the guest experience this Valentine's Day weekend.
READ MORE
King Pins Edinburgh opens bookings and offers free bowling for a whole year
Guests can now book to play the Crown Jewels of Bowling at King Pins from 13th February and be in with the chance of winning £250 of free bowling.
READ MORE
Doddie Beir kicks off at Aldi in supermarket exclusive ahead of Six Nations Championship
The special-edition craft beer from Cold Town Beer raises vital funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, supporting its mission to find a cure for MND.
READ MORE
New Abacus restaurant brings Scottish Mediterranean dining to the Southside of Edinburgh
Abacus, the newly refurbished bar and restaurant at The Scholar Hotel, has opened, offering an all-day dining experience where seasonal Scottish produce meets Mediterranean influences.
READ MORE
The Palmerston and Sotto to swap restaurants in aid of MND Charity
On Monday 9th February, Edinburgh restaurants Sotto and The Palmerston will swap restaurants to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease charity 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation'.
READ MORE
The Leddie celebrates Burns with a paired Balvenie supper
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady is celebrating Burn’s Night in true Scottish style on Friday 23rd January, with a one-night-only themed supper in partnership with The Balvenie.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin
Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.
READ MORE
Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
From suite to studio: The Balmoral unveils bespoke in room reformer pilates
In partnership with FÔLD, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is proud to unveil its latest pioneering wellness innovation: reformer pilates delivered to your suite.
READ MORE
A night for poetry, pipes and plates: Burns Night at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh
When poetry meets plate and tradition meets indulgence, Burns Night 2026 comes alive at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts announce CATALYST: Art as Activism, four new solo exhibitions for 2026
Summerhall Arts presents CATALYST: Art as Activism, a season of four solo exhibitions that position contemporary art as a sustained, embodied form of resistance.
READ MORE
A Burns Night under the stars: Dynamic Earth reimagines the traditional supper
This Burns Night, Dynamic Earth invites you to step into the stars for an evening where tradition meets the galaxy!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival opens submissions for Global Ink 2026
Submissions for Global Ink 2026, Edinburgh International Book Festival's flagship international forum for Festival Directors, are now open.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Enlightenment an immersive experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL will bring its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31st January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chef to host floating Captains Table experience onboard luxury Edinburgh hotel
One of Scotland's leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative Captain's Table experience onboard Edinburgh's five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
National Centre for Music appoints Director of Partnerships
Scotland's National Centre for Music bolsters founding team with new Director of Partnerships.
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop kicks off the New Year with hands on courses to build new skills
New year, new skills. Edinburgh Open Workshop is kicking off January with a hands-on programme of creative courses designed to help people turn resolutions into reality!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Vow to volunteer! The New Year resolution that could change lives in 2026
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) believe that by vowing to volunteer in 2026, people can make a real difference to their local community!
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Glamorous Edwardians to be explored in major Edinburgh exhibition
A glamorous, never-before-exhibited portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh made of rock crystal will be among highlights on show in Scotland for the first time in this major exhibition.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links